The Eagle and the Trail: Old Abe State Trail
How Wisconsin's Most Famous Eagle Inspired a Modern Landmark
The Old Abe State Trail is more than just a scenic, twenty-mile stretch of pavement winding through Chippewa County. Running from Chippewa Falls to Cornell, this beloved trail traces the path of an abandoned railroad line, hugging the tranquil shores of the Chippewa River. But beyond its picturesque beauty lies a story of courage, legacy, and one extraordinary eagle.
Old Abe—the namesake of the trail—was no ordinary bird. He was Wisconsin's most famous American Bald Eagle, a symbol of resilience and inspiration that soared through history. His legacy is immortalized not only in this trail but also in the insignia of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the now-retired logo of the Case Corporation.
The tale of Old Abe began in 1861, when a Flambeau Band Chippewa man named Ahgamahwegezhig, also known as Chief Sky, set his sights on capturing a pair of young eagles. In his attempt, one eaglet perished, but the survivor—destined to become Old Abe—was traded to a local farmer named Daniel McCann for a bushel of corn. McCann, in turn, sold the bird to a group of volunteer soldiers from Eau Claire and Chippewa Counties known as the Eau Claire Badgers. They carried the majestic bird to Madison, where Captain John C. Perkins christened him "Old Abe" in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.
Thus began Old Abe’s remarkable journey into history. Perched atop a specially crafted shield, he marched alongside the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, becoming a constant presence in the chaos of war. Old Abe bore witness to thirty-seven battles and skirmishes, including the pivotal Battle of Fredericktown in Missouri and the decisive Battle of Island Number Ten. His presence on the battlefield emboldened the troops, and his piercing cries became a rallying call for Union forces.
When his military service ended, Old Abe’s story was far from over. Presented to Governor James T. Lewis, he took up residence in the Wisconsin State Capitol, where an entire Eagle Department was established to care for him. From his new home, he became a national celebrity, making appearances at prestigious events such as the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia and the Grand Army of the Republic Convention in 1880. Spectators marveled at the regal bird who had seen the horrors of war yet remained a symbol of unwavering spirit.
Photo credit: GoChippewaCounty.com
Tragically, Old Abe’s life came to an end on March 26, 1881, when a fire at the Capitol filled his quarters with smoke. Though his taxidermied remains were preserved and displayed for years, a second fire eventually claimed them as well. But Old Abe's legacy was too powerful to be extinguished. Today, his memory endures in numerous forms: a statue atop the Camp Randall Arch, his iconic image emblazoned on military insignia, and, of course, the Old Abe State Trail—a fitting tribute to the eagle who inspired generations and whose story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of both man and nature, forever etched in the heart of the Badger State.
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I graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School, our mascot was Old Abe. Thanks for this history.
What a cool history. I wonder if RAW will ride on this,trail in July? If not, I need to seek it out and maybe go for a wog or hike there while in that area.